Teboho Mokoena sends a powerful and personal message to Mamelodi Sundowns interim head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believes Mokoena’s recent standout performance delivered a clear message to Sundowns. Broos hopes the ongoing situation resolves positively at the club level.
The talented midfielder, who earned the title of 2022/2023 Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season, has faced an unexpected challenge. He has missed the Sundowns matchday squad for five consecutive games leading up to the FIFA international break.
During the opening league match, Sundowns triumphed over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby, with rumours swirling that Mokoena and teammate Khuliso Mudau faced disciplinary action. While Mudau made a brief return during the victory over Kaizer Chiefs, Mokoena remained sidelined. Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi insists both players are vital to the team’s strategy for the season.
Broos expresses concern over player utilisation
Coach Broos shared his thoughts on Mokoena’s situation, emphasising the midfielder’s exceptional performance in the recent match against Congo Brazzaville, where he scored two goals in a 5-0 victory. “I know Teboho for more than two years. He had his first selection when I became coach, and the progression Teboho made in the last two years has been enormous; he became a very, very good player,” Broos stated, as quoted by iDiski Times.
He acknowledged Mokoena’s potential motivation to prove his worth to Sundowns, saying.”I know maybe today he was extra motivated to show his coach at Sundowns that it was not right to put him on the bench.” Broos prefers actions over words, adding, “This is what I like, not words, not talking, just a performance.”
Call for change at Sundowns
Broos expressed concern over Mokoena’s limited playing time, reiterating that he disagrees with the decision to bench him. “When I said a few days ago that I have to accept and respect that position, but I can’t agree, I think today proved why I can’t agree that he’s not playing at Sundowns. But okay, it’s not our problem.”
He also highlighted his confidence in both Mokoena and Mudau, stating. “I always put my full confidence in those players. I know who they are, I know how good they are, and how important they are for the team. I pray to God that Sundowns change their mind and that the guys get opportunities to play again.”
Broos warned that if the situation continues, he may have to make tough decisions regarding player selection. “In the long term, if the situation persists, I will have to take decisions that I don’t like to make, and let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
Mokoena’s impact on the National Team
Since making his debut in March 2018, Mokoena has proven his worth on the international stage, contributing eight goals and three assists in 37 caps for the senior national team.
Mokoena’s exceptional talent cannot be overlooked, and his latest performance serves as a wake-up call to Mamelodi Sundowns. But Broos still questions Mokoens’s R97m price tag, and ask why Sundowns set it that high.
Stay tuned with The South African as Teboho Mokoena sends a powerful and personal message to Manqoba Mngqithi.
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